FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is seeking public input on potential new Protected Natural Areas (PNAs) that would double the amount of forested Crown land under permanent protection to eight per cent.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup announced today that 190 candidate sites, totalling 143,000 hectares (353,000 acres), have been identified. Following public input, about 122,000 hectares (301,000 acres) of these sites will be selected for designation.

“Over the past two years, employees with the Department of Natural Resources, scientists and naturalists have collaborated to identify these candidate sites,” said Northrup. “These locations  have been selected based on their ecological value, their importance as wildlife habitat and their distribution throughout the province.”

Candidate sites were selected in each of the province's distinct natural regions to capture samples of the province's habitat types and to protect a broad spectrum of the province's biodiversity.

A new website has been created so that New Brunswickers can learn more about the importance of Protected Natural Areas, view the 190 candidate sites and submit comments online. Comments may also be submitted in writing to: Species at Risk and Protected Natural Areas Program, Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5H1.

Northrup said comments from the public will provide guidance on the selection and designation of the new PNAs. Comments should be submitted no later than Nov. 15.

The department will also host five open houses in October to allow the public to learn more about Protected Natural Areas, ask questions and share their thoughts on the candidate sites.

The open houses will be held in:

●    Fredericton, Tuesday, Oct. 16, Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre, Main Lobby, 1350 Regent St.;

●    Edmundston, Wednesday, Oct. 17, Edmundston Convention Centre, Madawaska Room, 100 Rice St.;

●    Bathurst, Thursday, Oct. 18, Atlantic Host Hotel, Salon B, 1450 Vanier Blvd;

●    Blackville, Tuesday, Oct. 23, United Church Centre, 143 Main St.; and

●    Richibucto, Wednesday, Oct. 24, Richibucto Town Hall, 9235 Main St.

Each open house will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In March 2012, Northrup announced the province would double the amount of forested Crown land designated as a Protected Natural Area. There are currently 60 such areas on Crown land and one on private land owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

PNAs are nature reserves that are legally protected under the Protected Natural Areas Act. They are sanctuaries that allow nature to exist with minimal human interference. New Brunswickers can continue to enjoy access to most of these areas for activities such as hiking, camping and fishing but industrial activities and higher impact recreational uses are not permitted.


02-10-12